What are barefoot shoes? ǀ Feelgrounds

What are barefoot shoes for children?

Children's barefoot shoes, also known as minimal shoes, promote the natural movement of the feet and at the same time protect against dangers such as broken glass or sharp stones - this way children experience the barefoot feeling without getting injured.

What are the advantages of barefoot shoes for children?

Conventional children's shoes are often tight and stiff, which limits the natural freedom of movement of the feet. This lack of flexibility and incorrect shoe shape can affect development and lead to health problems in the long term.

Barefoot shoes, on the other hand, support the healthy development of the feet by giving them the space they need to develop optimally. This strengthens the muscles and improves stability, which has a positive effect on the entire body's statics - from the knees to the hips and back.

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What makes children's feet so unique?

Children's feet differ significantly from adult feet because they are constantly changing and are particularly malleable and flexible: Children's feet consist of a total of 28 bones, 31 joints and numerous tendons, ligaments and muscles, all of which are still growing and sensitive to external influences.

In the first seven years of life, when the structure of the foot changes the most, it is particularly important to choose shoes that do not restrict the feet. During this time, children learn to maintain their balance, improve their coordination and develop a healthy posture.

About 98% of people are born with healthy feet, but only 40% of them still have healthy feet in adulthood. (Source: AOK Gesundheitsmagazin, Gesunde Füße bei Kindern – worauf man achten sollte, 22.12.22)

Tight or stiff shoes can hinder healthy development. It is not until around the age of eight that the bones begin to harden and the arch of the foot fully develops. These changes continue into the teenage years.

Healthy feet right from the start

The feet of small children have a particularly wide toe area in relation to the heel. Their arch often touches the ground because it is filled with a soft pad of fat. Walking barefoot or wearing barefoot shoes strengthens the foot muscles and enables natural movement. This supports the development of a healthy posture in the long term. In this sensitive growth phase, it is crucial to give the feet enough space so that the toes can move freely and misalignment can be avoided. This allows the feet to bend and roll naturally.

Due to their high density of nerve endings, children's feet are sensitive. These tactile sensory cells play an important role in motor and neuronal development. The thin, flexible soles of barefoot shoes give children intensive sensory feedback that promotes the development of balance and coordination.

Children's feet are special and deserve our full attention. Barefoot shoes that offer enough space and support freedom of movement are an important factor for healthy and natural foot development.

Toe freedom

Enough space for growing children's feet

Conventional shoes often squeeze the toes together, which can affect the natural shape of the foot. In the long term, this can lead to misalignment that is painful and difficult to correct.

Barefoot shoes offer a wide, anatomically correct toe box that gives your child's toes enough space to spread. This allows them to perform their important task of stabilizing the entire body.

“Zero-drop”

Flat soles for a healthy posture

Shoes with heels shift the body weight forward, which can affect posture.

Our barefoot shoes are zero-drop, so the heel and forefoot are at the same height. This promotes a natural, upright posture and at the same time strengthens the foot muscles, as the foot can stabilize itself.

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Thin, light, flexible

Natural movement and barefoot feeling

Shoes with thick, stiff soles restrict the foot's freedom of movement and reduce the sensory feedback from the ground that is crucial for your child's balance and coordination.

Barefoot shoes, on the other hand, have thin, flexible soles that allow your child to feel the ground and adjust their movements accordingly. This improves balance and reduces the risk of tripping or twisting an ankle. They are also so light and comfortable that they are barely noticeable - for a real barefoot feeling, while the feet still remain well protected.

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Sandals

Summer, Sun, Adventure! Our barefoot sandals for kids keep little feet cool and allow maximum freedom of movement. Made from durable vegan materials, they support the healthy development of growing feet. Perfect for warm days and active explorers!

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Sandals

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Sneakers

Whether it’s school or the playground – Feelgrounds barefoot sneakers are the perfect choice for everyday wear. Lightweight, flexible, and so comfortable your child can run wild. Ideal for little feet eager for big adventures!

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Sneakers

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Boots

Explore our barefoot boots styles, featuring a slightly thicker yet flexible sole for extra insulation on colder days, complemented by a grippy tread pattern. Water-repellant and waterproof options available.

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Boots

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